DC United put assistant coach Onstad on short-term playing contract

DC United have announced that the club has signed Assistant Coach Pat Onstad to a short-term playing contract.

DC United have announced that the club has signed Assistant Coach Pat Onstad to a short-term playing contract.

The eight-season MLS veteran returns to the playing field after joining the Black-and-Red on December 21, 2010 following his retirement from the Houston Dynamo. Onstad will serve as a player-coach in the absence of goalkeeper Steve Cronin, who has been placed on the Disabled List following a fractured wrist suffered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. at the beginning of preseason training.

“We are pleased to have concluded a deal for Pat Onstad,” said General Manager Dave Kasper. “Pat brings stability and experience to the goalkeeping position, and we know that he is capable of supporting our club through its current injury situation.”

“I am thankful for this opportunity and am looking forward to the challenge,” said Onstad. “My primary focus remains the development of our goalkeepers, but I am also ready to help our team on the pitch if called upon.”